Ryūichi Abe, the Reischauer Institute Professor of Japanese
Religions at Harvard University, will present two lectures to the Colby community
and general public on Monday, December 3. At 4pm Professor Abe will present a
lecture entitled “ Buddhist Mandalas and Contemplation.” His 7pm lecture,
“Letters, Words, Weaving, Music: On Kûkai’s Theories of Language,” will trace
the linguistic and philosophical origins and possible implications for sung text in
the writings of Kûkai, the ninth-century founder of Japanese esoteric Shingon
Buddhism.

Both lectures will take place in the Ostrove Auditorium in the
Diamond Building and are free and open to the public.

Professor Abe, through his teaching and books, has made an important
contribution to the Western understanding of Japanese Buddhism. He received his
bachelor's degree in economics from Keio University and his master's degree from
School of Advanced International Affairs, The Johns Hopkins University. He
received his M.Phil and Ph.D in religious studies from Columbia University.
Professor Abe’s visit is co-sponsored by the Music, East Asian, and Religious
Studies Departments.